‘Tiny hero’ Marty Cobb buried with teddy bear

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Mourners filed into a South Richmond church Friday morning to say goodbye to eight-year-old Martin Cobb. Martin, known as Marty to friends and family, was killed last week near his South Richmond home.

Marty Cobb's mother pauses at her son's coffin. (PHOTO: Shelby Brown)

Family members said Cobb was killed while he attempted to defend his 12-year-old sister from an attacking teenage boy. Marty's sister survived the attack. Police later arrested a 16-year-old suspect for Marty's murder.

An overflow space was established at the church to accommodate not only friends and family, but strangers who felt compelled to pay their last respects to a child dubbed a tiny hero.

"Anytime there is a death, especially a child, it brings emotions you don't normally have," mourner F. Dorsey Houston said before the memorial service. "That could have been my grandson. That could have been my son. That was the reason to come, even if I don't even get a chance to speak to the parents. The ministry of presence carries a lot."

Marty was buried in a new suit donated by Virginia State University football coach Latrell Scott. He was to be buried with a bag of hot potato chips and a teddy bear, CBS 6 reporter Jerrita Patterson noted from outside the church.

7 comments

lovinlife

Terry

This station is the worst station to air people private lives, instead of focusing on the life of a 8 year old that was cut short we have to take pictures of a grieving mother at her sons casket. Yet no other station did so when I am sure that mother wanted her child to have privacy instead this station does so and to let the world know that her precious babies son suit was donated may I ask who’s business is that. Channel 6 you have no morals you are only on ratings nothing more. Keep the focus on this precious life not what the family received, because I am sure you did nothing to help them. RIP precious Angel!

krista

Such a kind gesture from VSU’s football coach and from many other people who helped the family. That beautiful boy was a big hero and has set an example to others to care for each other! I hope the family continues to support each other and get help with the issues they are experiencing with the system. God Bless them!

Pastor V

I am watching and praying. It is time out for all of this foolishness and reach our children. Let’s get to them before it gets to this point. There is more to this then meets the eye. I see this spiritually and truth needs to come forth. It’s sad that this had to happen this way but warning comes before destruction. We need to be honest as preachers and leaders in our community about situations such as this. I am praying for both families. The young man that did this is just as important to God.